Parking meter prices in Boston had not been adjusted since 2011, when they were raised to $1.25 per hour.

The city says raising meter rates in congested areas will direct drivers to seek meters on less-crowded streets.

Boston Parking Meter Rates on the Rise for Pilot Program

The city says raising meter rates in congested areas will direct drivers to seek meters on less-crowded streets.

(Published Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017)

Rates are also going up in the Seaport, with prices changing based on location and time of day.

City officials say the program will help open up more parking and bring prices in line with other major cities.

"With Performance Parking, Boston drivers should be able to park easier and circle less," said Boston's Chief of Streets Chris Osgood. "Less time spent each trip searching for parking can mean less congestion on our streets, less emissions in our air and more time spent where we want to be at our final destinations."